Judge Orders UNUM to Pay Doctor $150,000 for Bad Faith Insurance Practices

A Massachusetts judge has ruled that UNUM Group and Paul Revere Life Insurance Company must pay $150,000 to Dr. Richard Constantino for failing to comply with the terms of his long-term disability insurance policy. After years of litigation, the court found that Paul Revere acted in bad faith when it denied Dr. Constantino’s claims despite his valid need for assistance due to severe health issues following a battle with colon cancer and other ailments. This landmark ruling emphasizes that out-of-state plaintiffs can sue Massachusetts insurance companies under local law, significantly impacting future claims for bad faith against insurers.

Dr. Constantino, a well-respected physician in Rochester, faced enormous financial strain from the insurance company’s denial and subsequent delays in his claims process. His claims, submitted after decades of paying into his policy, were met with resistance, and he was unjustly accused of receiving overpayments. Ultimately, the court's decision not only awarded him damages but also set a precedent that aids disabled claimants seeking justice against insurance companies known for bad faith practices.